Arlington Heights vs Champaign: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,641 | $56,031▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.39 | $26.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,320 | $44,205▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,825 | $48,920▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,831 | $61,570▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,581 | $68,005▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Champaign is $7,390 (15.19%). Champaign's median is +12.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $27,261,Champaign spans $23,800. Arlington Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($60,441 effective) pays 20.66% more than Arlington Heights ($50,094 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,031/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,005)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,441)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Arlington Heights grew 20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.2% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$38,222 (2024) → $46,105 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$37,090 (2019) → $53,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Arlington Heights or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Champaign as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Arlington Heights vs Champaign?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov